Can we still be friends if I tell you I painted my chair?
I couldn’t help it.
Blame it on the paint brush.
This is my office at the gatehouse and this is exactly what you see when you walk in the front door and look to the left.
I love these desk chairs.
I bought them at a junk store and had them recovered and added padding and nail-head trim and gray and white striped fabric and they looked perfect….
….except.
Except they needed some red lipstick…..
….bright pink to be exact. 🙂
I always knew that the chair needed a pink monogram.
You were probably thinking the exact same thing.
It just took me a while to get up my courage to paint it.
I was nervous….I mean….seriously….paint hot pink paint on light gray and white fabric?
{gulp}
But once I started….once I brushed the first line of hot pink paint and it popped and made the chair look like it was ready for its own reality show….
….I wondered why I had waited so long. 🙂
Have a chair or a pillow or tablecloth or table runner that you know needs a little something extra?
Here’s how to paint a monogram.
Psssst…..you can do this.
I know you can.
How to Paint a Monogram
1. Design your monogram
I think this is actually the hardest step.
I made mine on PicMonkey (www.picmonkey.com).
Looking for monogram etiquette? Here’s all you ever wanted to know and so much more about how to monogram.
After you design it….enlarge it to an 8 x 10 and print it out.
2. Transfer your monogram
You want to give yourself an outline to paint….so you want to transfer the monogram onto the fabric.
Flip over your paper and rub a pencil along the monogram.
Make sure you cover the entire outline that you want to transfer onto the fabric.
3. Center your monogram and trace
Place your monogram where you want it on the fabric and then trace with a pencil.
Make sure not to press your hand to hard on the sheet of paper because you don’t want extra graphite transferring onto the fabric.
When you are done….it will look something like this.
Make sure all the lines transfer and re-trace any gaps in the lettering until you have a finished three-letter-guide in pencil.
Now you’re ready to paint.
4. Paint your monogram
Here’s a few painting tips:
If you paint with acrylic paint directly onto fabric….it will dry and make the fabric hard where you painted. Simply add a fabric medium to your acrylic paint. You can find fabric medium at any craft store….but here’s a good one from Hobby Lobby so you know what you are looking for.
Use a brush with a slanted tip and a wide top….it makes it so much easier to swirl out and come to a fine point.
Look to the printed monogram for guidance. The penciled outline doesn’t have thicker and thinner lines like the printed monogram does. Mimic those lines on your monogram.
Paint a lighter coat first. Let dry. Then add a second coat for even coverage.
Have fun.
It’s only fabric.
Right?
You can always add a swirl here and there to cover up any mess-ups…..
….at least that’s what I told myself holding a paint brush dripping hot pink paint over a light gray and white fabric.
So happy that my self agreed. 🙂
PS Here’s some more fun monogramming ideas.
Holy gorgeousness! Every girl needs a pretty office like this along with some great monogramming! Awesome tutorial! :D
Beautiful! I was holding my breath till you were done... this project made me nervous! I know me, there'd be a large pink square on the back of each chair Ha! You are talented and brave! Love your monogramed chairs! They are perfect for your office!
This is so amazingly stunning! It makes the room!
Those chairs are gorgeous and the monogram....priceless! Definitely a work of art that makes the chair, heck it makes the whole office...love, love, love it! Thanks for the tutorial. Hmm-m-m....am I brave?
Hi Karianne, this turned out beautifully. I have to find a chair to try this on now. Hmmm, maybe a pillow. Your monogram is adds a lovely personalized touch to the entire room. Easy instructions too. I like that. What's the "D" stand for?
Beautiful! Love that pink. I'd be the one that dropped a big glob of gorgeous pink all over my equally gorgeous fabric. Then I'd write the "How Not To Paint a Monogram" post. ;)
Love it - now I just need you to do the same with my headboard - I knew something was missing and that is it! What a wonderful way to update and bring a personal aspect to your room. Have a fabulous say in your fabulous office.
Love it Karianne! Monograms are my favorite and you have inspired me to grab a chair or two of mine!
I LOVE IT! Perfect way to add a personal pop of Karianne to those chairs!! I may be a little biased… but I like the stripped fabric too :)
Yes, I did know. Got an SOS text from the chairs one evening just BEGGING for a pink monogram ;-) guess you got the text too.
LOVE IT!!!! Oh la la hot pink.
I love it!!! You make everything so fun and doable for us "creative followers" :)
Girl, I am so loving this. You have to share this for Pink Saturday this weekend.♥
You have nerves of steel!
What a fun office! How are you able to work surrounded by such gorgeousness? Glad you agreed with yourself...great monogram! ;)
Gurrrlllll! I'll just say this - it's a good thing we don't live next door to each other because, boyohboy, the trouble we'd get into . . . with pink paint. Chair is Sheer Gorgeousness. Mwah.
Beautiful!! I love how it turned out...it just pops! Debbie :)
You are braver than brave! Loving pink lipstick right now! And thank you for the pointers on monogram etiquette.
You are one amazing gal! Love your ideas, and you are a true craftswoman!
I think I hate painting ... but I love the look ... when are you coming over to do my painting for me??? ;)
A chair that I can literally say has 'my name on it'. Must have.
I've been pondering monograms for my dining room chairs and think this might be the ticket! Thanks for sharing, Karianne! xo Heidi
That looks so great, Karianne! I love it! Love the monogram design and the hot pink color. I don't know if I would have been brave enough to do it, so Brava to you! : )
I had always been told the ladies' initial goes first...I am mortified that's not the case! I will just be forced to paint over the existing incorrect monograms in the house.
Ewww...Pretty! I think your monogramed chairs are gorgeous! You are such a clever girl :-)
Love the office and the monogram is the perfect touch!
You did good Kari....really good....as you always do!...Love that hot pink!!!
Looks beautiful as is everything that you do!!!!! :-)
Cute! Placemats. This would be perfect on placemats!
You are brave and talented, it looks so good! What paint/medium would you recommend for something washable like a pillow cover or runner? Thanks
Hot Pink & Vixen Red. Yep!! That is so you! Now I just know that NOTHING is safe in my house -- it will have monograms everywhere. Thank you KariAnne for the tips but I have an important question to ask you -- what does the "D" stand for?? Inquiring mind wants to know :-)
Mom always said, "If nothing else, wear lipstick!" You've added the perfect decorative touch to an already smashing room with this pop of gorgeous bright pink! I must confess I would be fearful working with that bright paint on light grey ~ this from one who knocked over white gesso (only half a tub ~ quick reflexes) onto the carpet, just trying to make a small change to a canvas! But we now have stained concrete floors! I'd have to have extra fabric on hand & the upholsterer lined up, too! I'm sure, though, that *you're* very careful & protect everything ~ that you don't just "start without thinking!" Love the monogram & as always, many thanks for ALL the hints you share!
Love how this turned out! It's so poppy against the neutral chair back. So great!
Gorgeous! I love your chair. If you have not shared yet at the Bacon Time Anything Goes linky, please do.
What a great post. I love love love this sassy chair! My hair may not be done and I may not have showered but I ALWAYS have my lipstick on! So does your gorgeous chair! Pinning and featuring on facebook!
GAH!!!! Love. Love. Love it! Light gray, white and fuschia pink? Whaz UP????? Yeah baby! That's the combo! I'm going to do it in my dining room. I adore you and love the way your mind works! Have I mentioned that lately?
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